Steve McManaman: What a boy!

December 5, 1990
Lawrie McMenemy yesterday sent a message of hope to England’s aspiring youngsters by naming Liverpool unknown Steve McManaman in his Under-21 side tonight. “It proves you don’t have to be in somebody’s First Division team to earn recognition,” said the England No 2.

The tall striker, just 18 and in his first few months as a professional, makes history at Prenton Park tonight by leaping from Anfield’s reserves to the Under-21 team to face Wales at Tranmere without a League appearance behind him.

Reports.
But McMenemy, assistant to England manager Graham Taylor, said: “Steve is not in the team as a local lad just to create interest.
“He is in because our scouts have seen him and we’ve had good reports.”

Said McManaman: “It was unbelievable to find myself called into the party. To be in the team is totally unexpected.”

Luton midfielder Ceri Hughes withdrew from the Wales side after injuring his groin yesterday and is replaced by Wrexham’s Gareth Owen.

Manager Terry Yorath has delayed naming his team for the only their second outing in seven years.